GOP official faces charges in Delta County

ESCANABA – An Escanaba man, who is a member of the Michigan Republican State Committee, remained lodged in jail this morning on charges of extortion, computer crime, stalking, and possession of a controlled substance.

Doug Vero Sedenquist, 51, of 2511 5th Ave. S., #302W, Escanaba, was arrested a week ago by Escanaba Public Safety. He was lodged in the Delta County Jail on four felonies.

Delta County District Court records indicate the alleged crimes occurred from Nov. 20-26 in Escanaba. His ex-wife was listed as a victim.

On count 1, Sedenquist is charged with extortion, a 20-year felony with a maximum fine of $10,000. He is accused of maliciously threatening to accuse his ex-wife of a crime with intent to extort money or gain another advantage or to cause the victim to do or refrain from doing an act against her will.

On count 2, Sedenquist is charged with using a computer to commit a 20-year-or more felony. He is accused of using a computer to commit, attempt to commit, conspire to commit, or solicit another person to commit extortion. The charge carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 crime.

On count 3, Sedenquist is charged with aggravated stalking, a five-year felony with a maximum fine of $10,000. He is accused of repeatedly harassing his ex-wife by causing her to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened or harassed.

On count 4, Sedenquist is charged with controlled substance – possession of the analogue Hydrocodone, a two-year felony with a maximum fine of $2,000.

Sedenquist remained lodged in Delta County Jail this morning in lieu of a $20,000 cash bond. Conditions of his release include an evaluation by Pathways. He is to have no contact with the victim. He cannot be in possession of any firearms or use a computer or the internet, according to court records.

Sedenquist is scheduled for a preliminary examination in district court on Dec. 12.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Sedenquist failed to appear for a court hearing scheduled in Green Bay for Tuesday because he was in jail in Delta County. In Wisconsin, he faces charges of disobeying police, sending a threat, and disorderly conduct.

These charges stem from an incident in March when Sedenquist was allegedly involved in an armed standoff with officers responding to his suicide threat.

According to the Associated Press, Sedenquist had been the vice chairman of the Delta County Republican Party.